Association between systemic inflammatory markers and depression: A meta-analysis
Xiaowei Jiang1, Jiahui Pei1, Houze Diao1
1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Avenue, Changchun 130021, PR China.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|July 13, 2025
Summary
This study found higher levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in individuals with depression. NLR shows potential as a diagnostic marker for depression.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Controversial findings exist regarding associations between systemic inflammation markers (SII, NLR, SIRI, AISI, NLPR) and depression.
- Inflammation's role in depression requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between systemic inflammatory markers and depression prevalence.
- To evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of these markers for depression.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 41 studies (205,438 participants) was conducted.
- Searched databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE.
- Assessed differences in SII, NLR, SIRI, AISI, and NLPR using OR, SMD, 95% CI; performed subgroup, sensitivity, and diagnostic effectiveness analyses.
Main Results:
- Depressed individuals had significantly higher NLR and SII levels compared to controls.
- NLR demonstrated effectiveness as a diagnostic marker for depression (AUC=0.70).
- SII showed less effectiveness as a diagnostic marker (AUC=0.37).
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is associated with depression, supporting the hypothesis.
- NLR and SII show potential as predictors of depression.
- Further research is needed for SIRI, AISI, and NLPR due to limited studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
172
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
172
01:18Depression: Overview
354
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
354
01:30Stress and Mental Health
213
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
213
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
222
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
222
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
79
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
79
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
121.5K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
121.5K